Tutto Bene studio recently completed a comprehensive refurbishment of the fashion departments and exclusive personal shopping suites at the Globus Basel department store. The design approach skillfully merges industrial elements like polished concrete and robust steel with delicate fabrics and glowing laminated paper. This thoughtful juxtaposition creates a unique aesthetic that respects the building's historical character while offering a modern and inviting retail environment for patrons.

Elevating Retail Spaces with Thoughtful Design

Tutto Bene’s redesign of the Globus Basel department store’s fashion floors reimagines the shopping experience as an art gallery. By deliberately keeping the interior aesthetic subdued and refined, the design team ensured that the merchandise itself becomes the focal point, much like artworks in an exhibition. The studio integrated soft, ambient lighting and strategically placed lightboxes to guide shoppers through the space, emphasizing clarity and product visibility. This minimalist approach allows the Art Nouveau exterior to shine, while the interior provides a sophisticated, unobtrusive backdrop.

The central element of this renovation is the innovative use of a continuous, illuminated framework that defines the layout and flow within the fashion departments. This architectural feature, reminiscent of a contemporary aqueduct, not only organizes movement but also establishes a subtle hierarchy and rhythm throughout the various sections. The design masterfully balances functionality with an elegant monumentality. Designers carefully selected a color scheme primarily composed of black and white, punctuated by strategic blocks of color that serve as intuitive navigation cues rather than mere adornment. This deliberate choice avoids traditional gender-coded retail palettes, ensuring a universally appealing and inclusive shopping environment. The interplay of hard-wearing materials like large-format tiles and black steel fixtures with softer elements such as sheer drapery and illuminated Japanese laminated paper creates a dynamic yet harmonious atmosphere, seamlessly blending durability with warmth and tranquility.

The Exclusive 'Collector's Apartment' Experience

Beyond the main fashion areas, Tutto Bene crafted an exclusive retreat known as 'The Collector's Apartment,' specifically designed for private shopping. This intimate space offers a distinctly different ambiance from the bustling main floors, providing a serene and personalized luxury experience. The apartment’s design pivots around a rich palette of monochrome blues, transitioning from icy tones to deep midnight hues, creating a profoundly calm and residential mood. This tranquil setting is further enhanced by the strategic integration of warm wood accents and bold black graphic elements, fostering an environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

To complete the sense of a personal sanctuary, the designers meticulously curated a collection of art pieces and vintage furnishings for 'The Collector's Apartment.' Notable additions include a ceramic bowl and a striking wall sculpture sourced from Two Rooms Gallery, along with iconic furniture like Tokyo bar stools by Rodney Kinsman and a 1970s coffee table by Cini Boeri. Tutto Bene also designed a bespoke ebonised wood table, further accentuating the apartment’s unique character. A mirrored dressing room, adorned with a custom trompe l'oeil print inspired by drapery, adds an element of playful elegance. The overall design intention was to evoke the feeling of a genuine, lived-in penthouse—a private haven where each piece contributes to a coherent narrative of curated luxury, blending fluid vintage silhouettes with a rational, architectural framework.